Poll: Record number of Americans lack trust in media.
The trust in U.S. news media has hit an all-time low, with a record number of Americans losing confidence, according to a new poll released on Thursday.
A recent poll conducted by Gallup, which examined American trust in mass media, revealed that 39 percent of respondents have “none at all” confidence, marking the highest percentage since 1972 when the question was first asked. Another 29 percent expressed “not very much trust,” matching the levels seen in 2016. Only about 3 in 10 respondents reported having any significant confidence, with 32 percent stating they still have “a great deal” or at least a “fair amount” of trust in American media. Trust in the news media reached its peak in the mid-1970s.
While historically Democrats have shown more trust in the media compared to Republicans, even Democrats have started to lose confidence.
“The latest gap of 47 points is the narrowest since 2016,” reported the pollster. “Democrats’ trust in the media has dropped by 12 points over the past year, now standing at 58 percent, compared to 11 percent among Republicans and 29 percent among independents.”
From the fabricated history of Brett Kavanaugh as a serial gang rapist to the alleged secret status of Donald Trump as a Russian agent, Americans have more reasons than ever to be skeptical of the corporate press after 2016. The recent coverage of an explosion in Gaza has further eroded confidence in American news outlets.
On Tuesday, the Associated Press and The New York Times published Hamas propaganda, claiming that Israel had fired a rocket at a Palestinian hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 500 civilians. However, audio and visual evidence presented by Israel revealed that the blast actually occurred in a parking lot and was caused by a misfired Hamas rocket. The Israeli claims were later corroborated by American intelligence, with the European Union and U.S. intelligence estimating the true death toll to be in the ”dozens,” not hundreds.
The New York Times later attempted to justify its uncritical regurgitation of talking points from Hamas terrorists, stating that “It takes time to independently verify the claims from all sides.” However, by that point, the damage had already been done, leading to protests at U.S. and Israeli embassies across the Arab world.
“Incredibly, the media are still ‘both sides-ing’ the false reports about the hospital bombing that wasn’t,” wrote Federalist Editor Mark Hemingway on Thursday.
Earlier today, ABC News reported that ‘Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib refused to apologize Wednesday for saying Tuesday that Israel is to blame for the hospital explosion that day in Gaza, an accusation that sparked political backlash against Tlaib from Republicans as Israel denies fault.’ In the media’s telling, the problem is not that Tlaib is knowingly repeating false accusations that are being used to justify violence; the real story here is how there’s a Republican backlash?
[READ:[READ:Press Must Be Held Accountable For Fake Gaza Story That Instigated Violence Worldwide]
Gallup conducted interviews with over 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older via telephone from September 1-23, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
How does the rush to publish sensational stories without fact-checking contribute to the lack of integrity and accuracy in mainstream media reporting?
Ting that only a few dozen people were killed.
This incident showcases the lack of integrity and accuracy in mainstream media reporting. The rush to publish sensational stories without proper fact-checking has become all too common. These false narratives not only distort the truth but also contribute to the erosion of trust in the news media.
Furthermore, the polarization of media outlets has played a significant role in the decline of trust. People are increasingly seeking out news sources that align with their own beliefs and ideologies, resulting in echo chambers where alternative perspectives are dismissed or ignored. This confirmation bias only serves to reinforce pre-existing opinions and widens the divide within society.
It is crucial for the news media to prioritize objective reporting and unbiased journalism. The responsibility to inform the public with accurate and reliable information should always be the top priority. Making sure that multiple sources are consulted, fact-checking is conducted, and providing balanced coverage are essential steps that need to be taken to regain the trust of the American people.
There is also a need for media literacy education to help individuals critically evaluate the news they consume. Teaching citizens how to discern reliable sources from misinformation and propaganda can empower them to make informed decisions and hold the media accountable.
Ultimately, the decline in trust in U.S. news media is a concerning trend that undermines the fundamental role of the media in a democratic society. Rebuilding trust requires a collective effort from both media organizations and the public. Journalistic integrity, objective reporting, and media literacy education are the key ingredients in restoring faith in the news media and ensuring a well-informed citizenry.
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